[Hiring] Senior Scientific Communications & Outreach Specialist @General Dynamics Information Technology

Role Description

GDIT is seeking an experienced, scientifically fluent Senior Communications & Outreach Specialist to support a government contract with the NIH Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA).

The Specialist will lead end-to-end planning and execution of scientific workshops and webinars, serve as a primary liaison to senior researchers and workshop organizers, and provide senior-level communications and administrative leadership for the program team. This role is well suited to a scientifically trained professional who combines strong technical credibility with excellent interpersonal skills, independent judgment, and the initiative to identify solutions in undefined situations.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

• Event Leadership:
  • Lead end-to-end planning and execution of scientific workshops and webinars.
  • Manage speaker coordination, steering committee engagement, agenda development, travel sponsorship, audiovisual and venue logistics, materials preparation, registration, multichannel promotion, budget tracking, accessibility accommodations, on-site execution, and post-event reporting.
  • Serve as a highly organized, reliable, and personable point of contact for workshop organizers and invited speakers.
  • Draft substantive correspondence and materials for organizers and speakers.
  • Facilitate communication among organizers, speakers, scientific staff, and project team members.
  • Own tracking of multiple concurrent projects and deadlines using task management tools.
• Communications & Technical Writing:
  • Independently draft and send professional, policy-compliant email responses to public and stakeholder inquiries.
  • Write and edit public-facing website content, newsletter content, and other outward-facing materials.
  • Draft white papers, meeting notes, and summary documents as needed.
  • Edit staff manuscripts and abstracts for clarity, accuracy, and style.
  • Revise documents to ensure they meet accessibility standards prior to publication.
• Program Leadership & Administrative Oversight:
  • Lead scheduling, agenda-setting, and minute-taking for committee meetings.
  • Proactively manage the status of ongoing projects and tasks.
  • Maintain accurate, audit-ready records related to events, communications, and project timelines.
  • Provide broader program support as needed.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Public Health) or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience independently organizing or co-leading scientific workshops, conferences, or working groups.
• Able to follow established, NIH-compliant processes while exercising sound independent judgment.
• Experience applying or exploring use of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency in processes.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner).
• Familiarity with use of Adobe Acrobat to edit and improve accessibility of PDF documents.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages.
• 401K with company match.
• Competitive pay and paid time off.
• Full flex work weeks where possible.
• 15 days of paid leave per calendar year.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid Family Leave program providing up to 160 hours of paid leave in a rolling 12 month period.
• Short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance.